Problems of Revisionism in Artistic Interpretations of Historical Events

Abstract

In recent decades the discipline of American historical knowledge has been heavily influenced by the works of revisionist historians, who have dominated both science and education, as well as popular culture. New interpretations and reinterpretations of the past have become more popular than any previous efforts in the field. The contradictory nature and radical ideological content of revisionist interpretations of historical events made them highly appealing to a mass audience seeking an alternative to “boring” academic narratives, on the one hand, and on the other hand, they have caused considerable disruption for traditionalist historians, who had to evaluate and criticize not only the endeavors of their colleagues, but also those of laymen. Among the latter, representatives of cultural establishment, particularly literature and cinema, have a singular influence. In this article the author examines some examples of revisionist works of art, highlighting the main problems arising from specific readings of history, including historical inaccuracy, ideological bias, political partisanship, disregard for the sources, logical fallacies, a tendency to mythmaking, and numerous “artistic licenses”.